eisele



C. WI EISELE.

LAMP DIMMER.

APPLICATIQN FILED ocT. la. |920.

l ,426, l 62. Patented Aug. 15, 1922;

3 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.-

T/gal C. W. EISELE.

, LAMP DIMMER. APPLICATION FILED ocT. I8. 1920.

Patented Aug. 15, l1922;A

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WITNESS.-

A TT ORNE Y.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHAR/LES ,V. EISELE, OF FLINT, MICHIGAN.

LAMP DIMMnn.

otier purposes, and comprises a further development and,amplilicationoit the invention di closed in my Patent No. 1835727, dated )ril 6,1920. "The invention contemplates a head light r other lamp havingdimming means come i" tubular shield or sleeve, surroundlanep bulb orother illuminating' elet the illinninator and tubular shield bei'relatively' movable in a longitudinal ,rectioin whereby the rays oflight from such lampsv are Vintincepted or permitted to be retlected bytbe usual redector.

The object ot the present inv ntion is to improve the emr-rolv means forthe reciprocatory element and to provide automatic locking` meanstherefor, "or locking` the movable element in its lretiucrecl position.

A. furtherobject oithe invention 'is to provide electrical impulseoperated control ineens whereby the reciprocatory element whether thesame. be the tubular shield or the lamp the in is rcciproeated andlocked in its retracted position by one electrical impulse` and Y callyreleased by a succeed' e; ele :al impulse.

40 4^. #their eject ot the iiivention is to associate .an-'l arranfjethe operating` parts nih mehr they' will be eoinpaetlv arranged .and maybe easily and cheaily inanuiactured, having but tow oper parts andunlikely to `ejet out oli repair.

lilith tl f ary and other inei- .flental obie.; in view as will morefully ear .in the specification, the invention of construction, the

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application letl October 18, 1920. Serial No. 417,776.

or interceptor as the reciprocatory member which is in its forward oroperative position. Fig. 2 is detail view of a modilication showing thelamp andits support as the reciprocatory element. Figs. 3 and 4 aredet-ail perspective views of the interengag'ing locking members. Fig. 5is a detail plan view of the locking members in engaged relation. Fig'.6 is a sectional View ot a. modification. Figs. 7 and 8 are detail viewsot' the rdetent employed in the construction shown in Fig. 6. v l

' Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughoutthe several views.

' Referring to the preferred form of em# bodiment shown in the drawings,l is the lamp housing having the usual transparent glass lace 2. Thetransparent face 2 is carried in the frame. 3, which forms a removableclosure for the housing 1. .Vithn the housing l is located a retiector4l of the customary parabolicy form, havin.;n positioned at its focalpoint an incandescent electric bulb or other illuminating` element 5. Inthe construction shownin Fig. l the illuminating element 5 isstationarily mounted upon a supporting stem 6, projecting` through anopening in the apex of the parabolic retlector 4. ln Fig. 2 thisconstruction is somewhat modified, bv mountingthe lamp bulb orilluminating element 5 upon a reciprocatory support or stem 6, whichlikewise projects through a central opening` at the apex oi thereflector 4i. lli'u'ler its normal condition of use the rays of lightemanating from the bulb or illuminatin element 5er 5 are reflected tromthe inner face of the parabolic reflector el.. The reflector l is, soproportioned that the liolit ravs will. be condensed inthe field otillumination and will lbe projected in substantially parallcl rays, asis usual in lamps ot this cheractor.

lVithout the use oit the reflect-or 4 the illuininatingelement 5 or 5affords but a limited degree of illumination. Therefore, by interceptingthe rays of light emanating from the lamp and permitting only a limitedproportion oi the light rays to reach the reflector 4', the brilliancyor intensity of' illumination may be regulated. To dim the lamp byintereepting the rays of light, therebv reducing materially theintensity of the reflected light. there is provided a tubularinterceptor shield or sleeve 8 which surrounds the illuminating element5 when the intensity of the light is to be reduced. In the constructionshown in Fig. 1 this effect is achieved by reciprocating the sleeve orinterceptor 8 forwardly in relat-ion with the stationary light element5, whereby the forward end of the interceptor sleeve will encle-se thelamp and intercept all or the greater portion of the light rays, whichwould otherwise reach the reflector 4. It is desirable that a smallportion of these light rays be allowed to reach the marginal rim of thereflector to afford a low degree of diffused illumination when the lightis dimmed. However, if desired the interceptor may be allowed to projectto such extent as to cut off entirely all the light rays from thereflector 4. No light rays being permitted to reach the reflector theonly illumination afforded will be that of direct light in a` forwardlydirection. In the operative position of the member, the interceptor orshield will not interfere with the illumination of the reflector 4, andthe full light value or intensity of the reflected light may beobtained. By adjusting thestop means hereafter mentioned, a greater orless yarea of the reflector may be utilized, thereby varying the degreeor intensity of the illumination accordingly. In the construction shownin Fig. 2 this result'is achieved by reciprocating the lampn whereby itmay be retracted withink the stationary interceptor or projectedtherebeyond to the focal point of the parabolic reflector 4. To effectthe reciprocation of the interceptor or shield 8 of the constructionshown in Fig. 1, or the lamp support 6 of Fig.. 2, asolenoid 10`isemployed. y

As thus far described, the construction is substantially that disclosedin my prior patent aforementioned, except that in the present instancethe solenoid 10 is differently located in relation with the lamp supportand shield. -i i 1n the present instance, the coil or winding 10 of thesolenoid is concentrically positioned in relation with the lamp support6 and shield or interceptor 8. As shown in Fig. 1 this solenoid ismounted upon a supporting plate or base 11, fixedly secured to theinterior of the housing 1, and axially conci-nitric therewith.Projecting inwardly7 from the base plate or support 11 and securedthereto concentrically in spaced relation with the coil or winding 10 isa guide tube 12, within which is mounted the supporting stem 6 of thelamp element 5. This lamp support G is stationary within the tube 12while surrounding the tube 12 and slidingly mounted thereon is theshield or interceptor-8,. This interceptor in its forward positionprojects beyond the end of the tube 12` and encloses the lamp element 5.linterposed between the interceptor 8 and the base or supporting plate11 is an ejector spring 13 to actuate the interceptor or shield Sforwardly. rlhe shield or interceptor 8 is limited A in its forwardmovement by stop nuts 14 carried upon a rod `15 projecting from thesupporting plate 11. This rod 15 not only car "ies the stop nuts 14which limit the throw of the interceptor or shield, but it also affordsan auxiliary guide for the shield and prevents its rotation about theguide tube 12. v

i The interceptor 8 is preferably formed of sheet steel or iron, andcomprises the reciprocatory core of the solenoid 10. That is to say, thesolenoid core is of hollow or tubular form enclosing the lamp 5 whenprojected forwardly under the influence ofthe spring 13 and exposing thelamp when retracted byV the magnetic influence of the solenoid coil 10.The winding 10 of the solenoid isv of such capacity and the tension ofthe ejector spring 13 relatively proportioned thereto, that anelectrical impulse through the coil or winding 10 will cause theelectromagnetic coil to attract its core 8, forming the interceptor,against the tension of the spring 13, drawing it rearwardly quickly andforcibly. The electro-magnetic forces of the 'coil naturally tend tobalance the retracted tubular core 8 comprising, the interceptor at amedial position within thecoil or winding. However, this is resisted byAthe ejector spring 13 which constantly tends to vdisplace theinterceptor or core forwardly. Ther force or violence with which thetubular core or interceptor 8 is retracted by the electrical influenceaffords it such momentum that it will slightly overthrow or travelbeyond its normal retracted position. c

'llo automatically lock Athe reciprocatory clement in its retractedposition, there is attached to the rear of the interceptor 8 arearnf'ardly priiiecting finger 16, having therein a, hole or eye 1T,and comprising a catch or keeper for the engagement of adetent 18.`rllhe detest finger 18 is pivoted on a trunnion pin 19, mounted in asuitable braclret or supporting ears 19 on the base plate il, andprojects forwardly therefrom. The detent finger 18 is provideal with annpturned extremity 20 :for enfpae'einent in the eye or opening 1T of thecatcn linger 16. This detect finger 1S is carried by an oscillatory .U-

sha lied arn'iature votre 21 extendiinY aboutv` the guide tube l2, andcarrying at its ex.- tremity, pads or small bodies of iron to beattracted by the ifnagnetic influence of the core 8. The pivotalconnection of the interconnected armature yoke, and detent finger issuch that when the detent 18 and finger 16 are interengaged, the pull isin a straight line, andthe armature yole and detent finger are normallyheld elevated in retracted or engaging position. y To insure themaintenance of his position, particularly when an automobile isdescending a hill, a light spring 23 is of the character describedpossessing the piuticular features` of advantage before enumerated asdesirable, but which obviously is suscept'ble of modification in itsform, proportions,l detail construction and arrangement of parts Withoutdeparting from the principle involved or sacrificing any of itsadvantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has beendescribed in language more or less specific as to structural features,it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specificdetails shown, but that vthe means and construction herein disclosedcomprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect,and the invention is therefore claimed in. any of its forms ormodifications Within the legitimateand valid scope of the appendedclaims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A lamp construction wherein, an illuminating element and a shield arerelatively movable in relation with each other including, a springtending to relatively move one of said vmembers in one direction, andelectromagnet adapted to relatively move said spring actuated` vmemberin the opposite dir cton, characterized by a pivoted detent member,having an operating arm extending into the path of travel of the movablemember, and operatively engaged thereby to positively actuate the detentto insure locking engagement thereof, said operating arm being subjectto magnetic influence upc-n a subsequent impulse through said electromagnet to effect a reverse oscillation of the detent and release of theloclicd dement.

2. il lamp construction wherein an illuminating element and a shieldtherefor are relativi-ilyy movable in relation with each other,including a spring tending to relatively move one of said members in onedirection, and means to retract the movable member against the tensionof said spring with sullicient momentum to effect a degree of overthrow,beyond its normal retracted position, characterized by a mechanicallyoperated detent, actuated by the overthrow movement of the retractedmember to lock said member against the tension of the spring and inea-nsto'disengagesaid detent.

3. A construction wherein an illuminating element and a shield thereforare relatively movable in relation With cach other,

including a spring tending to relatively move one of said members in onedirection, and means to retract the movable member against the tensionof said spring characterized by a latch for engaging the retractedmemberand holding same against the tension of the spring andelectrically controlled means to the influence of Which said latch issubject only Vwhen said movable member is in its retracted position fordisengaging said latch.

el. In a lamp, an illuminating element, a support therefor, and a shieldfor the illuminating member, said support and shield being relativelymovable, a solenoid of which the movable member forms the core, a springagainst the tension of. which the solenoid core is attracted torelatively adjust said shield and illuminating element and means forintermittently energizing said solenoid.

5. In a lamp, an illuminating element, a lsupport therefor, and a shieldfor the illuminating member, said support and shield being relativelymovable, a solenoid of Which the movable member forms the core, a springagainst the tension of Which the solenoid core is attracted torelatively adjust said shield and illuminating element, an automaticallyoperated latch for locking the movable member in its retracted position,and means for releasing the latch by the influence of said solenoid.

6. In a lamp, an illuminator support, a tubular shield, and anelectromagnetic coil concentrically arranged in relation with theilluminator support and tubular shield, one of the last mentionedmembers being movable under the influence of the electromagnetic coil, aspring against the tension of which said member is movable, anilluminant carried by the support, and means to energize said coil.

7. In a lamp, a solenoid having a tubular core, an illumin ant enclosedWithin the tubular core in one position of adjustment thereof, and anelectric circuit controlling the solenoid to effect the movement of thetubular core .in relation With said illuminant.

8. In a lamp, an illuminator and a tubular shield therefor one of whichis relatively movable in relation With the other, the shield enclosingthe illuminator in one position of adjustment, and an electromagneticcoil concentrically arranged in relation with said shield andilluminator controlling the relative adjustment of said members.

9. In a lamp, an illuminator and a shield therefor one of which ismovable in relation with the other, an electromagnet controlling therelative movement of said member, a pivoted detent extending into thepath of the relatively movable member and oscillated into operativeengagement with the movable member by its engagement thereby at thelimit of the travel of said movable member under the inflnence of theelectromagnet, an extension of said detent projecting into the field ofinfluence of the electromagnet and attracted thereby to release themovable member.

10. In a lamp, an illuminator and a shield therefor one of which ismovable in relation With the other, electrically operated means forcontrolling the relative adjustnasales ment of said members, and adetent for the movable member adapted upon one electric impulse to locksaid member in adjusted position and upon a succeeding impulse torelease said movable member.

. 11. In a lamp, an illuminator and a shield therefor relatively movablein relation with each other, means for actuating the movable member,said movable .member being projected beyond a normal retracted positionby the momentum of its retractive movement, a detent for the movablemember moved into operative'engagement therewith by the overthrowmovement thereof, and

lmeans for releasing said detent.

12.- A lamp construction wherein an illuminatingk element and a shieldtherefor are relatively movable in relation one with the other,characterized by ya latch for the movable member, means for retractingthe movable member with sufficient momentum to effect a degree ofoverthrow beyond its normal locked position, said latch being actuatedby such overthrow movement to positively move the same into engagingposition, and means to effect the releasev of the latch.

13. A lamp construction wherein, an illuminating element and a shieldtherefor are relatively movable in relation one with the other byelectromagnetic means,y characterized by a latch for the movable memberout of the field of magnetic influence when the movable member is in oneposition of adjustment, but brought into the magnetic field by therelative movement of such movable member whereby the succeedingelectrical impulse through said electromagnetic means will influencesaid latch to effect an operative movement thereof.

14. A lamp construction wherein an illuminating element and a shieldtherefor are relatively movable in relation one with the other under theinuence of a solenoid of which the movable member comprises the core,characterized by a magnetically influenced latch, attracted by themagnetism of such solenoid core element when the latter is in oneposition of adjustment but uninfiuenced upon the shifting movement ofsuch core element.

l5. In a lamp, a solenoid, a hollow core therefor, a fixed lamp enclosedin the hollow core when said core is at one limit of its stroke andexposed when the core is at the opposite limit of its stroke, and detentmeans for the core releasable under magnetic infiuence of the core.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 21st day ofSeptember, A. D. 1920.

CHARLES vVV. EISELE.

Witnesses: f

CARL G. EISELE, ELGIN G. CLARK.

